Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving dinner staple. Though it seems like it doesn't really belong on the table, it actually provides an assist to the star of the show- the roasted turkey. The slightly sweet and tartiness of cranberry sauce amps up the turkey and helps each bite hit all the senses.

Here's a really easy recipe for making your own cranberry sauce using better-for-you ingredients. Typically the canned stuff contains ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, which we should avoid. I've provided modifications to be able to make it with items already in your kitchens.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh or frozen whole cranberries
1 cup applesauce (or 1 cup apple juice may be substituted)
¼ cup pure maple syrup (or ¼ cup granulated sugar may be substituted)
Zest and juice of one lemon

1. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat down to medium-low.

2. Allow to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens. The sauce is ready when thick and all cranberries have popped. Serve at room temperature,

3. Remaining sauce can be refrigerated and served as a spread in sandwiches or over pancakes or waffles.